This article is about laminate flooring issues. In this article we will highlight the main issues which may arise after the laminate flooring installation, if it has been done in a wrong way or if the air humidity changes dramatically over time. From our experience, we recommend you to install the laminate flooring with great care, as with proper prevention you can avoid most of these problems (which are difficult and costly to solve). Therefore, read carefully our step by step guides about installing laminate flooring as to reduce the risk of these issues and if you still face them, pay attention to our tips.
Before installing the laminate flooring, you should check attentively as to identify possible areas with mold. In most of the cases, the mold is the result of humidity or moisture, therefore look for leaky pipes or radiator valves and correct the issue before installing the new flooring. By eliminating the source of the mold, you will also prevent its action in the future.
If the humidity changes abruptly during the year, from low to high levels, it might create gaps between the laminate floors or even buckling of the planks (they curve in an unattractive manner). One possible solution to this laminate flooring issue is to install a humidifier, which will keep the humidity constant. Therefore, there a few things you shoudl take into account, if you want to prevent laminate flooring issues.
Prepare thoroughly the floor before installing the laminate flooring [1]. A poor preparation will cause many laminate flooring problems (peaking, buckling, delamination), therefore we recommend you to take this step seriously, in order to avoid possible complications.
Install a layer of underlayment under the laminate floor [2], as to even out the irregularities and to sound insulate the floor. The underlay plays an essential role in the installation process, therefore we recommend you to use boards or rolls under the laminate flooring. Don’t forget to check the rest of the laminate flooring tutorials [3], of you want to see more step by step projects.
My best tips on laminate flooring issues:
Laminate flooring is a popular choice for its durability, affordability, and ease of installation, but like any material, it can face some common issues over time. Whether you’re dealing with warping, gaps, or scratches, here are my best tips for identifying and fixing laminate flooring problems.
1. Gaps Between Laminate Planks
Gaps between laminate planks can develop due to expansion and contraction from temperature and humidity changes or improper installation.
How to fix it:
- Tap the planks back into place: If the gaps are minor, you can use a flooring pull bar or a tapping block to gently push the planks back together. Be careful not to damage the edges of the planks.
- Use a floor gap fixer tool: For larger gaps, you can purchase a floor gap fixer tool, which uses adhesive and pressure to bring the planks back together.
- Check for proper expansion gaps: Ensure that there is a 1/4 inch expansion gap along the edges of the room. This allows the floor to expand and contract naturally without causing gaps between the planks.
2. Warping or Buckling
Laminate flooring can warp or buckle when exposed to moisture, humidity, or poor installation practices. Water damage or an insufficient expansion gap can cause the boards to lift.
How to fix it:
- Address moisture issues: First, identify the source of the moisture, whether it’s a spill, a leak, or high humidity, and resolve it.
- Remove and replace damaged boards: If the warping is severe, you may need to remove the affected boards and replace them. Use a utility knife to cut along the seams and gently lift the damaged boards.
- Check the expansion gap: Make sure the perimeter of the floor has an adequate expansion gap to allow the flooring to expand and contract with temperature changes.
3. Scratches and Scuffs
Scratches and scuffs are a common issue with laminate flooring, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with pets.
How to fix it:
- Use a laminate floor repair kit: These kits come with color-matching wax sticks or putty that can fill in scratches and blend with the rest of the floor.
- Buff out minor scuffs: For light scuffs, use a soft cloth or melamine foam pad (like a Magic Eraser) to gently buff them out. Be sure not to use abrasive materials that can make the damage worse.
- Protect your floor: Place rugs in high-traffic areas and use felt pads on furniture legs to prevent further damage.
4. Peaking
Peaking occurs when laminate boards push up against each other, causing the edges to rise. This typically happens due to lack of expansion space or when the flooring is tightly fixed at the edges.
How to fix it:
- Trim the edges: Carefully remove the baseboards and check if the laminate flooring is pressed too tightly against the walls. If needed, trim the edges of the laminate to restore the expansion gap.
- Reinstall the baseboards: After adjusting the floor, reinstall the baseboards, ensuring that the floor can move freely beneath them.
5. Squeaking or Creaking Floors
Squeaks and creaks can occur when the laminate flooring is improperly installed or when the subfloor is uneven.
How to fix it:
- Ensure proper underlayment: If the underlayment isn’t thick enough or is missing in certain areas, the floor may squeak when you walk on it. Adding or adjusting the underlayment may help.
- Check for loose planks: Squeaks can also be caused by loose planks. Use flooring adhesive or a laminate floor repair kit to secure the loose boards without needing to replace them.
- Level the subfloor: If the subfloor is uneven, you may need to lift the affected planks and level the subfloor with a self-leveling compound before reinstalling the planks.
6. Fading
Laminate flooring can fade over time due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. UV rays can cause the color of your flooring to lose its vibrancy.
How to fix it:
- Use UV-resistant window treatments: To prevent further fading, install UV-blocking window film or curtains to reduce direct sunlight exposure.
- Rotate furniture and rugs: Move furniture and rugs periodically to prevent uneven fading and maintain a more consistent look across the floor.
- Use area rugs: Place area rugs in sunny spots to protect the floor and reduce fading.
7. Moisture Damage
Laminate flooring is not waterproof, and exposure to standing water or excessive humidity can lead to swelling, warping, and buckling.
How to fix it:
- Act quickly: Clean up spills immediately to prevent moisture from seeping between the planks.
- Replace water-damaged planks: If water has soaked into the flooring, it’s often necessary to replace the affected planks. Ensure the subfloor is completely dry before installing new boards.
- Consider water-resistant laminate: For areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens or bathrooms, consider using water-resistant laminate flooring to minimize future issues.
8. Stains
Stains can occur on laminate flooring from spills or accidental marks left untreated for too long.
How to fix it:
- Use a laminate floor cleaner: For most stains, a mild laminate floor cleaner or a mix of water and vinegar can remove the mark without damaging the surface.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners or chemicals like bleach, as they can damage the laminate’s finish.
- Use a stain-removal paste: For stubborn stains, a baking soda paste can be gently rubbed into the stain using a soft cloth, then wiped clean with water.
Bonus Tip: Regular Maintenance to Prevent Issues The best way to avoid laminate flooring problems is through regular maintenance:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the surface.
- Use a damp mop (not a wet mop) to clean the floor, as excessive water can damage the laminate.
- Place mats at entryways to reduce the amount of dirt and moisture brought inside.
Laminate flooring issues: Gaps
Laminate flooring gaps represent a common issue when dealing with laminate flooring. Generally speaking, the gaps are created when the planks move away from their position, creating a space between the boards. These problems are caused mainly by decreases in temperature of the room, or when the boards are not acclimatised at least 24 hours before installing them.
If you want to avoid these laminate flooring issues, make sure you heat the room during winter, otherwise the boards will shrink and create gaps.
Laminate flooring issues: Door Jamb
Another issue when installing laminate flooring is represented by the door jamb. In this image you can see a typical mistake regarding the installation of laminate flooring around door jambs.
It is a serious mistake to cut the laminate boards around the door jamb, as it looks very unprofessional. Instead of doing this, you should cut the door jamb with a handsaw and install the planks under it.
Laminate flooring issues: Scratches
Laminate flooring planks are prone to scratches, therefore you should avoid moving furniture or other heavy objects directly on the surface. On the contrary, we advise you to use several accessories. Minor scratches can be repaired by using touch up kits (they look like crayons).
Laminate flooring issues: Peaking
Peaking is one of the most common issues related to laminate flooring and is caused by improper installation. Basically, peaking appears when the laminate planks push each other and create V-shaped high joints.
There are many causes which may lead to peaking. The main reason which causes this laminate flooring issue is that the planks don’t have enough space to expand around the walls. Therefore, you have to remove the baseboard molding, remove the last row of laminate boards (adjacent to the wall) and cut it (1/2-2” according to the gravity of the issue) longitudinally. If the peaking doesn’t disappear, place heavy object on top and leave them for one day.
In this image you can see clearly the result of the peaking: the floor looks ugly and it creaks every time you step on it.
As to avoid this laminate flooring issue, you have to place spacers along all walls (at both ends on any row), as well as leaving 1/2 space in the doorway. The laminate flooring may expand in time, therefore you have to provide a clearance space in all directions, as to avoid problems.
Laminate flooring issues: Delamination
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In order to avoid delamination of the laminate boards, you shouldn’t mop the floor with water or soap. Instead, you could use a product design for this task (a laminate flooring cleaner). Therefore, you have to apply the product on the laminate flooring and clean the surface with a dry nonabrasive cloth or mop.
If you split water on the laminate flooring, you should wipe it off with a dry cloth. Any lost minute will increase the risk of delamination. In the worst cases, you will have to replace the laminate planks.
By following these tips, you can effectively handle and prevent common laminate flooring issues, ensuring your floors stay beautiful and durable for years to come.
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